Cardiovascular magnetic resonance assessment of left atrial volumes and function in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation before and after ablation therapy

Methods A Siemens scanner (Avanto, 1.5T) was used to study 13 patients (mean age 65 ± 9, 4 females and 9 males) with persistent AF before and 3 months after ablation therapy. Images of the LA were acquired in the two-chamber and four-chamber orientation using a breath-hold ECG-gated steady state free precession cine sequence. Biplane arealength method was used to measure the LA end-systolic (ESV) and end-diastolic (EDV) volumes[1]. LA function was determined by its calculated ejection fraction (EF=(EDV-ESV)/EDV) [1]. Seven-day rhythm tape was used to assess patients’ rhythm 3 months after ablation. All 13 patients underwent either surgical or catheter ablation therapy successfully, achieving sinus rhythm post procedure. Only 2 patients reverted to AF at 3 months.